GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The period during the rule of Edward VII, between 1903 and 1910.

Named so from the Greek ‘green stone’, emerald is coloured by the trace elements chromium or, less often, vanadium. Emeralds have been mined in Egypt since the 4^th century BC. Emerald is a stone that is said to open the heart chakra and symbolize ‘successful love’. It is green variety of the Beryl family, a species that also includes aquamarine, morganite and red beryl. The most desirable emeralds are mined in Muzo, Colombia, though emeralds are also being mined in other areas of South America, Central and Eastern Africa, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia. Read more

A rectangular cut with rectangular facets arranged parallel to the girdle and usually with 45 degree corner angles. This type of cut is more transparent than other shapes, often requiring higher standards of clarity.

A French term used to describe jewellery that has been set in such a way that it trembles when touched. This is mostly seen in 18th and 19th century jewellery. The movement is particularly effective in diamond set jewels as they shimmer beautifully when trembled.

A pigment of a vitreous nature composed usually of powdered pot ash or silica, bound with oil coloured glass as a surface decoration, fired at a very low temperature.

A fine geometric pattern engraved onto metal by a machine.

The practice of incising a design or inscription on a hard surface of metal, created by cutting grooves into it, by hand or machine. Engraving was very popular during the Victorian era to create a scrolled pattern on the gallery or shoulders of a ring.

A description for a gem with no visible inclusions to the naked eye (mostly a trade term).